Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA) was visited by the APACC team on February 26 – 28, 2019 for the renewal of APACC accreditation. The polytechnic, which is located in Shah Alam, Malaysia, was one of the first three premiere polytechnics in Malaysia which applied for APACC accreditation in 2014. PSA was established in 1997 and specializes on Medical Electronics. The polytechnic also offers various programs in the field of Civil Engineering, Commerce, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

The team for the 3-day on-site revisit was composed of Dr. Godelyn Hisole, Team Leader and President of Iloilo State College of Fisheries, Philippines; Mr. Gunananda Jha, Team Member and Senior Instructor, Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training, Nepal; and Ms. Felice Marquez, Support Staff and Projects and Consultancy Division Assistant, Colombo Plan Staff College. PSA was reassessed using the seven APACC criteria: Governance and Management, Teaching and Learning, Human Resources, Research and Development, Image and Sustainability, Other Resources and Support to Students.

The APACC Team with some PSA students

During the welcome remarks, YBhg. Prof. Dato’ Ts Dr. Mohd Ismail Bin Abd Aziz, Director General of the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (DPCCE) stated that PSA plays a vital role in providing good quality education and contributes to a student's holistic development. Moreover, through the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC), he emphasized that there is a need to benchmark with the best institutions and learn about their best practices. He mentioned that APACC serves as a starting point for an institution towards internationalization. Achieving genuine quality will stand the test of time and continuously strive for improvement. Lastly, he reminded PSA that in order to achieve genuine quality, full cooperation is necessary among PSA staff members and officials.

Tour of facilities

The welcome remarks was followed by a special remarks from Mr. Gunanandha Jha where he stated that the APACC on-site revisit was an opportunity to learn from everyone. He also observed the great confidence exhibited by PSA and their readiness to undergo the APACC reaccreditation.

Dr. Godelyn Hisole giving her special remarks during the opening ceremony

The special remarks by Mr. Jha was followed by another special remarks and the on-site visit activities from Dr. Hisole. During her speech, she emphasized the importance of leadership in an institution wherein she also commended the PSA Director for his strong leadership. Furthermore, she stated that undergoing the APACC accreditation is a good strategy in maintaining quality education and internationalization. Dr. Hisole's remarks was followed by a short briefing about PSA which was presented by the Director of PSA, Dr. Mohd Zahari bin Ismail.

After the exit meeting with the Deputy Director General for Governance of DPCCE Ts. Hj Mohamad Amin Bin Hamat (5th from left)

During the exit meeting, Ts. Hj Mohamad Amin Bin Hamat, Deputy Director General (Governance) of the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (DPCCE), Malaysia was present to give his special remarks wherein he stated that PSA has come a long way with APACC.

The National Coordinator for Accreditation in Malaysia and Director, Curriculum Development Division of DPCCE Pn. Noor Aidi Binti Nadzri was also present to express her full support to PSA.

To cap the visit, the APACC team leader Dr. Godelyn Hisole presented the highlights of the on-site revisit including the commendations, affirmations, and recommendations.

Results of the on-site revisit activity will be communicated to PSA after the deliberation of the APACC Board.